Home to one of the most popular indoor plants- Begonias are found in the tropics and subtropics of South America. However, as decorative flower it began to be grown only in the 18th century. All modern varieties and hybrids of this crop were developed from the first five varieties brought to Europe by English botanists. The plant was named begonia by scientist Charles Plumier in honor of the French governor of the colony of Haiti, Michel Begon.

Varieties

At the moment, gardeners and indoor plant lovers breed only three main types of begonia: herbaceous, shrub and semi-shrub. Tuberous flowers are commonly grown in lawns and flower beds. Begonia rhizomatous, shrub and semi-shrub is more often used as decoration in city apartments. Some forms of this ornamental plant prized for their beautiful flowers, others for their showy leaves.

Caring for begonias of all varieties is almost the same, with the exception of some nuances. In this article we will talk in detail about how indoor, that is, rhizomatous leaf and shrub forms of begonias are grown.

Pot and soil

Begonia is usually grown at home in rather small containers. The fact is that its roots do not tolerate being surrounded by large amounts of wet soil very well. They should completely occupy the space of the pot. In order for the plant to feel comfortable, it needs to be replanted every year into a new larger container (about 2 cm).

The soil for begonias should be nutritious leaf soil. You can mix it with sand and peat in a ratio of 1:1:3. Sometimes purchased soil is also poured into pots for this ornamental plant. In this case, it is better to buy peat.

Where to place begonias

Most begonias are shade-loving plants. That is, they cannot be placed in direct sunlight, otherwise their leaves will be burned. Most often, begonia is grown at home on window sills located on the north or east side. It is especially important to comply with this condition for rhizomatous varieties with beautiful leaves. Shrub and semi-shrub begonias also love partial shade. However, direct lighting usually does not cause them too much harm. These varieties adapt to the sun very quickly.

An exception to this rule is the garden tuberous begonia. It is usually planted on lawns laid out in sunny areas. And she feels very good about it.

Reproduction methods

Seeds and petioles are what you can use to propagate these flowers. Begonia, unfortunately, loses its decorative value after just a few years of cultivation. Therefore, old plants have to be replaced with new ones. And therefore, those who want to see this crop as a decoration for their apartment should definitely become familiar with the technology of its cultivation.

Begonia: propagation by seeds

This method, being quite complex, is used very rarely for breeding begonias. However, if you wish, you can try to propagate this ornamental plant this way. IN in this case The cultivation procedure usually begins in February. This begonia propagates by seeds as follows:

1. A 2-3 cm layer of drainage is poured onto the bottom of a large box. It is best to take pebbles that are not too large.
2. The leaf soil is sifted through a fine sieve and poured over the drainage in a layer of 2-3 cm.
3. A layer of snow is laid on top of the ground.
4. Begonia seeds are sown on it. They are very small, and therefore the procedure must be carried out slowly, trying to distribute them over the surface of the snow. planting material as evenly as possible.

Begonia does not tolerate dry air very well. Therefore, the box should be covered with plastic wrap before the seeds germinate. After the plants hatch, this covering must be removed and the box placed in a lighted, slightly shaded place.

For the first time, plants are picked immediately after the first true leaf appears on them. At the same time, they are planted in another box. First, leaf soil with a small addition of peat and sand is poured into it. Planting is done in such a way that there is a distance of approximately two centimeters between the rows and between individual plants.

As soon as the bushes become crowded in the box, carry out a second pick. This time, a mixture consisting of leaf soil, humus, peat and sand in a proportion of 4x1x1x1 is poured into the box. Planting is carried out according to a 3x5 pattern.

Begonia from seeds will develop well only at temperatures not lower than 20 degrees. Also, the soil in the boxes should be disinfected from time to time by watering with a weak solution of potassium permanganate (0.6%).

Propagation by cuttings

Planting begonias can also be done using this technique. For propagation in this case, either young or slightly lignified cuttings are taken, which should have at least 2-4 buds. Under the lowest node, an oblique cut is made with a very sharp knife. Large leaves are removed from the cuttings. It's better to leave the small ones. Cuttings should be planted in pots one at a time. You can also take a large box. However, in this case, planting material should be placed only along its perimeter (at the edges). The fact is that cuttings are well accepted only if there is free air circulation.

Leaves soil mixed with peat and sand is poured into pots or boxes. A few days before planting, the soil needs to be thoroughly wetted. Do not water the soil before and after planting. The cuttings are carefully stuck into the ground and covered on top with a film attached to sticks of suitable length.

For two weeks, the plants must be sprayed and ventilated daily, removing the covering for a while. After this period, the seedlings begin to adapt to room temperature. To do this, the film is removed every day for 2-3 hours. They do this for a week. Then the film is removed completely.

How to propagate by leaves

This method is also often used by indoor plant lovers. Propagation by leaves is carried out as follows:

• A large healthy leaf is removed from the mother plant and cut into squares 2 cm long;
• the resulting planting material is planted vertically in a moistened mixture of leaf soil, sand and peat or simply laid out on it;
• The box is covered with film.

Begonia, propagation by leaves of which is not difficult, germinates in this case in about 2-3 weeks. From this moment on, the box needs to begin to be ventilated. To do this, the film is first removed for 30 minutes a day. Then the ventilation time is gradually increased. You should try to adapt the plant completely to room temperature within a week.

How to water correctly

Of course, a lover of indoor plants should also know how to properly water these wonderful flowers. Begonia, like any other tropical plant, does not tolerate dry air at all. Therefore, it should be sprayed daily with a spray bottle. But this must be done in such a way that water does not fall on the leaves. Spraying is carried out around the plant, humidifying the air. You can also place the begonia pot in a larger container. In this case, water is poured into the bottom of the latter and stones are placed. The pot with the plant should be installed so that its bottom does not touch the water.

Actually, begonias are watered very rarely. Too much damp earth This plant doesn't like it. With increased soil moisture, its roots begin to rot and leaves turn yellow. Before watering, the water should be left for a day at room temperature. Flowering begonia, as well as those forms that are valued for the beauty of their leaves, are watered every other day or several in spring and summer. In winter, the number of waterings is reduced to once a week.

Immersion method

Sometimes this technique is used to moisten the soil in a pot. It's completely easy to implement. To do this, you need to take a container larger in volume than a flower pot. Peat-softened water is poured into it (1 kg per 10 liters). Next, lower the pot into the container for 20 minutes. As a result, water will penetrate into it through the drainage holes and moisten the soil. Then the potted begonia is placed on a tray. As soon as the water drains from the drainage holes, it is drained.

Growing begonia: how to fertilize

To feed plants, they usually use a special mixture for begonias, which can be purchased at a specialized store. If you cannot find it, you can use any complex fertilizer for indoor flowers. In spring and summer, fertilizing is usually done once a month. At the end of autumn and winter, plants are not fertilized. At this time, the flowers are at rest and fertilizing can even harm them. The only exception is the ever-flowering begonia. This variety should be fertilized all year round.

Diseases

Resistance to various kinds of diseases is also what characterizes these spectacular, unpretentious flowers. Begonia, however, sometimes still causes problems in this regard for lovers of indoor plants. Most often it is affected by powdery mildew. In this case, a white or gray coating that can be easily wiped off with a finger appears on the stem and leaves of the plant. The fungus begins to suck all the juices out of the plant. As a result, the leaves curl up and gradually die off.

Plants are usually relieved of powdery mildew using special purchased funds- fungicides. They also treat other begonia diseases caused by fungi. Very popular and effective, for example, are drugs such as “Topaz”, “Zlato”, “Fundazim”, etc. Before treatment, the diseased plant must be isolated from others, as it spreads powdery mildew very fast. You also need to remove all plaque. Severely affected shoots and leaves are removed and burned. The actual spraying is carried out according to the instructions for the selected product.

Pests

Begonias are also sometimes affected by spider mites or aphids. In the first case, the plant can be treated with infusion of chamomile or tobacco with soap. Aphids are destroyed with preparations containing pyrethrum. You can also treat the plants with a weak infusion of garlic. To prepare it, 2-3 mashed garlic cloves are mixed with 2 tsp. oil and one teaspoon of liquid soap. Next, fill in everything warm water in an amount of 0.5 liters.

Most popular varieties

And finally, let's figure out what popular varieties Begonias exist at the moment and which one is best to choose.

Most often, indoor plant lovers grow the following varieties:

1. Begonia ever-blooming. This is one of the most beautiful shapes, the main feature of which is a thick bare stem, reaching a height of up to 40 centimeters. Depending on the variety, the leaves of this begonia can be emerald or bright green, and the flowers can be white, pink, red or salmon. The peculiarities of this variety, among other things, include the fact that it blooms almost all year round.
2. Begonia coral. The branches of this form hang down very beautifully. Its leaves are covered with spectacular white spots. Coral begonia blooms in spring. The flowers of this variety can have different shades of red - from hot pink to dark burgundy.
3. Royal begonia. This variety has a creeping stem and very beautiful variegated leaves.

Coral, evergreen and royal begonias are the most popular varieties. However, sometimes lovers of indoor plants also breed more exotic forms of begonias. For example, tuberous varieties are grown mainly in gardens and yards. However, even in a pot they can look very good. Household tuberous begonia, unlike rhizomatous varieties, is valued not for beautiful leaves. It has earned popularity primarily for its spectacular double flowers.

As you can see, there are many varieties of begonia. And all of them, without exception, are distinguished by high decorative qualities. Considering that caring for any form of this wonderful indoor flower and even propagating them is not a difficult task; using begonia to decorate an apartment is certainly worth it.

Begonia is a plant that belongs to the Begonieceae family and decorates public gardens, parks and apartments. There are about 900 full-fledged species of this plant in the world. The homeland of begonias is Southeast Asia. The size of the plant can be from 5 cm to 3 m in length.

In this article you will learn some secrets of caring for beautiful flowering begonias at home.

Favorable conditions for growing home begonia

Begonias are easy to care for and disease resistant, but the question of how to grow begonias is a very common one. You need to remember three rules for caring for a plant: replanting, timely feeding and moderate watering. This will be discussed in the following sections.

Did you know?The plant was named after the governor of Haiti - M. Begon.

Lighting

To make begonia happy abundant flowering, you need to provide the plant good lighting, best diffused.

Make sure that the begonia leaves are not exposed to direct sunlight - this will cause burns on them. If you do not have the opportunity to grow begonia on a windowsill, you can use phytolamps. It is more effective to use two phytolamps.

Temperature

At room temperature, begonia feels great. If the temperature drops below 16°C or exceeds 28°C, the leaves and flowers wither and fall off.

Air humidity Begonia needs high air humidity - about 60%. IN winter time

additional air humidification is required. This can be achieved by spraying. Tuberous begonias thrive in dry, cool conditions. They do not need high humidity. Shrub species are tolerant of dry air in winter, but it doesn’t hurt to spray them either.

Features of caring for begonia during the flowering period

Many people wonder what to feed begonias for abundant flowering. During flowering, begonia needs to be fed at least once a week.

To do this, use mineral fertilizers, but before that it is best to add a weak solution of potassium nitrate. Important!

If you want to prolong flowering, trim off faded flowers as often as possible. aboveground part won't dry out. Trim off faded leaves, stems, shoots and flowers. The temperature should not be higher than 12°C. The dormant period lasts from November to March.

Proper pruning of begonias

In this section we will explain to you , how to properly prune begonia after flowering so that your plant grows and looks young and healthy. When the stem length is 6-8 cm, the first pruning is carried out. After this, watering is briefly reduced. When the lateral shoots reach 10-12 cm, pinching is carried out. After this, remove dry shoots and leaves. They can lead to various diseases.

To do this, use mineral fertilizers, but before that it is best to add a weak solution of potassium nitrate. For speedy healing, the cut sites are treated with charcoal.

Pruning is done with a sharp knife, as scissors can injure the begonia. All these procedures are performed for several purposes. First of all, this is necessary for the formation of the crown young plant. Pinching improves the flowering of the plant. Trimming supports decorative look bush. Pruning and pinching should be done annually, as this also helps to rejuvenate the begonia.

To do this, use mineral fertilizers, but before that it is best to add a weak solution of potassium nitrate. If you do not prune the plant in a timely manner, the begonia's leaves will decrease in size and the flowering time will be shortened.

Basics of proper transplantation

Repotting is an important process in growing begonias, and in this section we will learn when to repot begonias and how to do it.

The frequency of this operation depends on the type of begonia. Tuberous varieties should be replanted annually, changing the soil and pot as the roots grow.

Transplantation is carried out in early spring. The plant is pulled out of the pot and the roots are cleared of old soil. Then the plant is placed in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. If necessary, you can trim the roots. Place some sand and stones at the bottom of the pot. The plant is covered with new soil, leaving a little space on top (2-3 cm). After a few weeks, the soil is filled to the top. Begonia needs abundant watering throughout the month.

Features of caring for begonia in winter

In our climatic conditions, a reasonable question would be how to organize proper care for begonias in winter.

In winter, begonia needs sunlight. To do this, place the pot with the plant on the windowsill in the sun for several hours. Watering should be moderate, but the soil should be constantly moist.

To do this, use mineral fertilizers, but before that it is best to add a weak solution of potassium nitrate. Do not overwater the plant, as this will cause the roots to rot.

In winter, the plant slows down in growth and requires rest. In this case, fertilizing and replanting should be postponed until spring.

Reproduction of begonias at home

Now it's time to talk about how to propagate begonia at home. The plant can be propagated using leaf cuttings, stems and dividing the bush.

Leaf cuttings

This method is used specifically in indoor floriculture. Cuttings are parts of a plant that are used in vegetative propagation. This propagation can be done using root, stem and leaf cuttings.

Reproduction can be done in several ways:a whole leaf with a petiole, a whole leaf without a petiole, and part of a leaf blade.

Propagation by a whole leaf with a petiole is suitable for some types of begonia. The length of the petiole depends on the rooting environment of the cutting. If you root in water, the petiole should be 3-4 cm long, if in the ground - 1-1.5 cm.

Propagation by a whole leaf without a petiole is suitable for the Rex begonia species. To do this, cuts are made on the thick veins of the begonia leaf and placed horizontally on the ground with the underside. After this, the leaves are pinned down, and after some time new shoots form in the cut areas, which can be grown.

Did you know? Begonia began to be used for decorative purposes in 1890.

Propagation by part of the leaf blade is suitable for royal begonia and Mason begonia. A part of the leaf at the base, 4-5 cm wide, is cut off from the plant. Plant vertically 1-1.5 cm deep and install small supports. In this case, the begonia leaf should not come into contact with the ground.

To obtain a full-fledged shoot from a leaf cutting, you need to maintain favorable conditions for rooting. The leaf must be torn from healthy plant. Old leaves are not suitable, as they are not capable of regeneration and quickly wither. Special requirements for caring for cuttings are humidity, lighting and temperature. While the cuttings do not have roots, they will not be able to absorb water, so it is necessary to reduce the evaporation process.

Lighting should be diffused, as direct rays cause overheating and burns. Optimal temperature– 20-25°С.

A soilless substrate is used as soil. To do this, sand and peat are mixed in equal parts. Peat prevents the development of pathogenic fungi. Pure Vermiculite may also be suitable. It not only absorbs excess moisture, but also gives it back to the plant as needed.

Did you know? The smell of begonia flowers helps cleanse the bronchi and is also an excellent natural filter for people with nicotine addiction.

Many florists are wondering how to fertilize begonia after propagation. Our answer is that the plant should not be fertilized at all at first.

This method of reproduction should not be used chemicals, since they do not give the expected effect in the form of rapid root formation, and this can also inhibit the emergence of new shoots.

Stems

Propagation by stem cuttings is the most in a simple way. You can use green cuttings for this.

One of the most popular and wonderful indoor plants is begonia, caring for it at home requires a lot of time and attention. Currently there are many various types this beautiful plant. Begonia began to be used for decorative purposes about 200 years ago and continues to this day.

It decorates gardens, parks, squares and window sills. There are two varieties of begonia: decorative-flowering and decorative-deciduous.

Tuberous begonia, which boasts its beautiful and large flowers, is considered widespread.

Flower care

Caring for this species is quite simple. Today there are many varieties of this plant. They vary in shape, size, color.

One of the reasons why this houseplant is so popular is its ability to bloom not only in summer, but also in winter. During the flowering period, the flowerpot is distinguished by its gorgeous large flowers and abundant landscaping.

Lighting

Indoor begonia loves bright light. This condition is especially important for flowering plants. In summer, it is necessary to darken the flower and avoid direct sunlight. If this is not done, then sooner or later they will appear on the leaves. brown spots. Non-flowering plants require diffused light. It is better to place the flower on the east or west side of the apartment.

Temperature and humidity

An indoor flower requires 21-23°C in summer and 15-18°C in winter. Care at home also involves fairly high humidity, so necessary for the plant. This is explained by the fact that begonia originally grew in a tropical climate. Begonias should not be sprayed, as sunlight will cause sunburn on the leaves if water droplets remain on the leaves.

Watering

Indoor plants need to be watered abundantly, especially in hot weather. In this case, water should not accumulate in the pan. Watering is carried out with settled water when the soil dries out by about 1-1.5 cm. In winter, watering is significantly reduced, especially if the apartment is cold enough. If the begonia is tuberous, then do not forget that in winter it sleeps. The plant must be placed in peat and watering should be stopped completely.

Top dressing

Care at home requires special vitamin supplementation for plants, as over time the soil becomes depleted. The flower should be fed once every 14 days, as soon as it blooms. Suitable for deciduous varieties nitrogen fertilizer. Such additives slow down the flowering process, but improve leaf growth.

In order to keep a plant in the house, you need to follow these simple rules. Begonia will delight with an abundance of flowers and leaves only when proper care. As you can see, growing such a flower is quite troublesome, but its beauty is worth it.

Transplantation and propagation

So, growing a flower involves not only proper care, but also replanting, which is periodically necessary for the plant. This procedure is performed when the flower has already grown enough and a larger pot is required, or when the soil is completely depleted and the flower needs new soil.

There are no special requirements for the soil. You can buy soil at a gardening store or make it yourself. In order to create good soil for a plant, you need to follow several rules:

• the pot is half filled with leaf soil;
• peat and black soil are added in equal proportions;
• Sand is placed at the bottom of the pot.

If you properly prepare the soil, the plant will grow quickly and correctly and delight you with its flowering.

It is necessary to ensure that the roots fit freely in the pot. As soon as they become crowded, the flower requires immediate transplantation. Early spring is best for this. In order to make a transplant, you need:

• remove the plant from the old pot;
• clean the roots from old peat;
• place the flower in water with potassium permanganate;
• trim off rotten parts of the roots.

It is important not to fill the pot full of soil. It is necessary to wait for the roots to dry completely and add the required amount of soil. A newly transplanted plant requires regular watering. There is no need to place the flower on the sunny side, as after transplantation it is in a state of stress. He needs to be given time to get used to his new habitat. Transplanted begonia care at home requires more painstaking care. As a rule, adaptation takes up to 1 month.

When the flower has grown sufficiently, we can talk about its reproduction. This process can be carried out in 3 ways:

1. Leaf cuttings;
2. Stems;
3. Dividing the bush.

Each type has its own characteristics. If you neglect these rules, then the begonia will not only not bloom, it simply will not live. Tuberous plants reproduce by seeds or tubers.

Propagation by tubers:

• get the tubers out of the ground, this should be done in autumn period;
• trim leaves;
• clean the roots;
• place the peeled tubers in peat;
• keep the plant at a temperature not exceeding 11°C.

To germinate the first shoots, the plant must be transplanted into a pot with sandy soil. Next you need moderate watering.

This begonia germinates very slowly. Therefore, it is necessary to wait for the roots and first shoots.

If everything is done correctly, then sooner or later the flower will begin to grow, bloom and multiply. Do not forget that this is a living organism and you also need to monitor it.

Features of flowering

The most common plant found among gardeners is red begonia. She earned this name thanks to her beautiful bright red flowers. These luxurious flowers will not go unnoticed and will definitely cause delight.

Begonia can bring a festive atmosphere, even if placed in the darkest corner. It's constant flowering plant. So, it will decorate the garden from June to September, and the apartment from April-May to October.

If the begonia does not bloom, then most likely the problem lies in the wrong content: poorly selected temperature regime, too frequent watering, oversaturation with fertilizers, has not been replanted for a long time. Once the conditions are right, the begonia will bloom again.

Often the plant is not pleasing to the eye due to disease. Thus, the most common disease is considered to be fungus. This disease occurs when the plant suffers from excess moisture. It is necessary to carefully monitor its central part and lower leaves. It is in these places that the first signs of the disease appear first. If such a problem takes you by surprise, it is necessary to reduce the number of waterings and remove injured areas.

Red spider mites may appear on begonias. A special solution will help get rid of it. After processing, the flower is placed in a bag.

Conclusion

Begonia is a beautiful plant that delights with its lush flowers of various shades. Pastel colors often predominate, but there are also bright flowers, such as red or pink. With proper care, begonia will please the eye and become an indispensable decoration of your apartment or garden. Growing such a flower is quite troublesome, but the result is worth it.

Photo gallery

Below you can see in detail photos of varieties of magnificent begonia.

Begonia- a very beautiful ornamental plant, distinguished not only by its large bright flowers, similar to roses, but also unusual leaves with a velvety surface, with an intricate pattern, with variegated colors. These luxurious flowers have gained wide popularity among both our gardeners and amateurs. indoor species plants. You can often find in the description such terms as beautifully flowering and decorative foliage species of begonia, although these definitions are very conditional, since among the varieties there are luxurious plants with large beautiful flowers and gorgeous large leaves of bright colors with an unusual pattern. To date, breeders have developed thousands of species, subspecies and varieties of begonias both for decorating gardens and for growing at home.

Some of the most popular species among inexperienced novice gardeners include hybrids of royal begonia and tuberous begonia, which are not too demanding in home care and are unpretentious plants. Below you will find detailed information about how to properly organize the care of these indoor plants at home.

In addition to the popular types of royal (rex) and tuberous geraniums, experts distinguish the following groups in the classification of these domestic plants: decorative deciduous, ampelous, bush, ever-flowering, thick-stemmed.
If you consider yourself a beginner gardener and are planning to start growing begonia at home, then we advise you to pay attention to tuberous begonia, caring for which does not take much time and is quite simple. Planting a shoot of tuberous begonia or a small tuber with small sprouts in a substrate for growing an adult plant does not present any difficulties, so it is not at all necessary to buy an already rooted mature flower. We will tell you how to properly plant a begonia cutting or tuber, how to then care for the rooted plant, and how to fight diseases and pests.

During the flowering period of tuberous begonia, you will enjoy amazingly beautiful flowers with double petals. The color palette of flowers of this type of domestic begonia is very diverse and among the varieties of this indoor plant you will definitely find one suitable for decorating the interior of your room. By the way, flowering begonias look very advantageous against the background of such indoor plants with an unusual shape, such as Ficus Benjamin in the form of a tree (very similar to topiary) or Dracaena Marginata with elongated palm-shaped leaves, and also form an interesting composition with plants from the Crassulaceae family, such as Kalanchoe flowering or tree-like Crassula (Money Tree). Some indoor plant lovers grow unpretentious home begonias in hanging pots or in wicker flower pots, which is an interesting find for modern phytodesign. In addition to tuberous or royal begonia for the formation flower arrangement in phytodesign, we can recommend such domestic species as Begonia foliosa, Begonia luxurians Scheidw, Begonia conchaifolia, Begonia masoniana Irmsch. You can create a chic composition from only begonias, distinguishing plants by the color and shape of the leaves, as well as by color scheme flowers.

♦ WHAT IS IMPORTANT!

Location and lighting.

It is advisable to place home begonia on a floor flower stand on the east side or on the southwest side - closer to the window. If possible, then in winter it is advisable to move the plant to windows on the south side. To prevent begonia leaves from getting burned by direct sunlight in hot summers, it is necessary to darken them a little. window glass film or parchment paper so that diffused sunlight falls on the plant. It is worth noting that, unlike bush and hanging species, royal and tuberous varieties of begonia are less demanding of constant sunlight.

Temperature conditions.

Begonia will feel comfortable at a temperature of 19-25°C in summer time(most best option- 20-23°C). In the autumn-winter season room temperature 17-23°C will allow the plant to remain healthy and hardy. However, do not allow the temperature to drop below 14°C for an extended period of time.

Air humidity.

Begonia loves high humidity (over 60%), but the plant tolerates moderate humidity levels (50-60%). The main problem is regulating humidity levels during the heating season. If there is dry air in the room where the begonia is placed, we recommend taking the following actions: pour expanded clay into a wide tray, place the pot there on a stand and regularly moisten the expanded clay; you can also place the pot in a flowerpot with gravel at the bottom (which also needs to be moistened); If possible, install a humidifier next to the plant. It is not advisable to spray begonia, as then unsightly spots appear on the leaves. Brown(but you can spray water from a spray bottle next to the plant without getting on it).

Watering.

To water the plant, use soft water that has been standing for several days. In summer, water the begonia abundantly, and pour out all the water flowing through the drainage from the pan. The frequency of watering is simply regulated: periodically check the dryness of the soil - if the soil mixture has dried a couple of centimeters deep, then it’s time for the next watering. It should be noted that tuberous geranium does not need watering in winter, since at this time the period active growth ends and the plant goes dormant. In winter, it is recommended to place tuberous species in peat.

Earth mixture and fertilizing.

You can prepare the substrate for growing home begonia yourself. To do this, pour a little coarse sand into the bottom of the flower pot, then fill it halfway with leaf soil, and then a mixture of chernozem and peat (1:1). A commercial soil mixture is also quite suitable for begonias.

If your begonia blooms in winter, then you can feed the plant during the entire flowering period with phosphorus fertilizers no more than once every two weeks. In the spring and summer, you should feed your indoor plant with a weak solution of mineral fertilizers once every 8-10 days. Decorative deciduous species of domestic begonia are not fed at all from October to March.

Transfer.

Begonia is replanted only if the root system has grown greatly, filling almost the entire pot. The best time for transplantation is mid-spring. Very carefully you need to remove the flower from the pot, clean the roots and place the plant in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 20 minutes. After this, use a sharp knife to cut off the rotten roots and treat the cut areas with crushed charcoal. We plant the begonia in a larger pot with prepared soil mixture. Begonia takes root in a new pot in about 4-5 weeks (tuberous or royal begonia takes 2-3 weeks faster). During this period, the plant should be watered frequently and placed away from direct sunlight.

Trimming.

Pruning should be done with a sharp knife immediately above the shoot, aimed at outside or just above the kidney. Until the beginning of the growth period, the frequency of watering after pruning begonias should be reduced. Bush types of begonias are pruned quite strongly, as they stretch well and grow actively. Pruning of thick-trunked species is performed in rare cases in order to give the plant the desired shape. You can shorten the top of ampelous species to stimulate branching of lateral shoots. Tuberous domestic begonias and royal (Rex) hybrids do not require pruning.

Bloom.

Many types of begonia are famous for their abundant flowering and delight the eye with beautiful flowers of the most different shades. For example, the luxurious tuberous begonia variety "Everest" is famous for its large flowers, reaching a diameter of 30 cm. Typically, the flowering period of begonia begins in summer and ends in late autumn. Some species bloom in winter and even throughout the year!

Reproduction.

Cuttings. Many types of domestic begonia reproduce well using cuttings. Usually a shoot 8-10 cm long with several leaves is cut off in early spring, treat the cut site with crushed charcoal and plant it in a container with an earth mixture (peat and river sand in a 1:1 ratio). You need to water the cuttings occasionally and very carefully, as the roots can rot from excess moisture.
Tubers. The best option for propagating tuberous begonias. Before planting, the begonia tuber is divided into parts with a sharp knife and the cut areas are sprinkled with charcoal. The tuber must be cut so that each individual part has several buds for shoot growth. After this, parts of the tuber are planted in the prepared soil mixture and very occasionally watered with soft water.
Seeds. Growing begonias from seeds is quite painstaking work, requiring professional skills and experience. This is usually done by breeders who need to preserve and consolidate the varietal characteristics of a particular type of begonia.

♦ COMMON DISEASES:

Ring spot.
Signs: first, concentric lines of light green color appear on the leaves, which over time turn into necrosis - bronze formations. What to do: as a rule, indoor plants (tuberous, decorative foliage, hybrid royal begonia species) are infected by juice-sucking pests (thrips, aphids and other carriers of tomato virus). Therefore, first of all, you need to get rid of pests on your plants. Begonias affected by ring spot should be destroyed.

Bacterial spotting.
Signs: Watery spots appear on the underside of the begonia leaf blade, which turn into glassy translucent formations.
What to do: destroy the affected plant, and the remaining specimens should be sprayed with a 5% suspension of copper oxychloride once every two weeks to prevent the disease.

Gray rot.
Signs: Watery spots with a grayish coating appear on the leaves, apical shoots and flowers of an ornamental plant, and then they turn into weeping formations caused by the botrytis fungus. Mucus may appear on the inflorescences, the leaves curl and noticeably darken, and the stems become brittle.
What to do: spray the entire plant with a solution laundry soap(20 g) with copper sulfate (2-3 g) in 1 liter of soft water. If the procedure does not help, then you need to spray the begonia with a 1% solution of foundationazole.

♦ COMMON PESTS:

Aphid.
Signs: the tips of the shoots are deformed, the leaves curl, and honeydew (sticky discharge) appears.
What to do: treat the entire plant with a solution of laundry soap, covering the soil with a waterproof film.

Shield.
Signs: pale or light brown, raised, oblong spots that can be easily scraped off the leaf blade with a fingernail. Can be found on the underside of the leaf along the veins.
What to do: treat the plant with an insecticide (Aktara or Aktellik).

Spider mite.
Signs: on the underside of the leaf you can find a thin web that entangles different parts of the leaf plate.
What to do: if the cobwebs are small enough, then you can simply treat the plant with soapy water and wash it in a warm shower the next day. In case of severe damage, it is advisable to treat the begonia with an insecticide.

♦ 5 USEFUL TIPS:

in hot summer time, watering home begonia during the day is dangerous, as the procedure can lead to burns on the leaves and weakening of the root system (when water gets into the soil heated by the sun). The best option for the summer period - water the plant with warm water (room temperature) in the early morning;

If the begonia is still very young, then to strengthen and normal development you can spray the shoots with epin or zircon;

During heating season ventilate the room often and regularly humidify the air;

Try to water the blooming begonia very carefully so as not to get water on the buds and flowers. This can cause the plant's flowers to darken and fall off.

♦ ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR BEGINNING FLOWER GROWERS:

Question: Why did the leaves of the tuberous begonia begin to turn yellow and fall off?
Answer: The most common reasons are unbalanced watering (taking into account the current season), as well as constant dry air. Sometimes begonia leaves fall off due to the activity of insect pests sucking the juice from the leaves.

Question: Why does an adult indoor begonia (there are already more than 6 knees on the shoot) still not bloom?
Answer: Most likely, you add fertilizer too often or the composition of the fertilizer is not quite correct. During the flowering period, the N:P:K ratio should be 1:1:1. More possible reasons delays in the flowering period - constant drafts, too low (or very high) room temperature, constantly dry air.

Question: Why did non-double flowers of the usual shape begin to appear on my double begonia?
Answer: This is normal. The point is that in different time On double begonia, female pistillate flowers of a regular shape appear and male staminate flowers appear double. After some time, your begonia will bloom with double flowers. By the way, you can remove female pistillate flowers so that the “double flowering” is abundant.

♦ DOMESTIC BEGONIA. PHOTOS OF SPECIES, NAMES:

♦ VIDEO. HOW TO CARE FOR BEGONIA AT HOME:

Tuberous begonia - planting a tuber in prepared soil.

Begonia- This is one of the most common indoor plants. This flower is very loved by flower growers; it is a real decoration for any home. More than a thousand species of these are now known. beautiful plants. Begonia came to our homes from the hot tropics and subtropics; these plants grow in Africa, Asia, but there are especially many of them in Central America. Breeders have worked with begonias for a long time and unusually fruitfully.

A little botany

Begonias are a genus of plants that are part of the family of the same name. This herbaceous plants(annual or perennial), as well as shrubs and subshrubs. Plants have asymmetrical leaves, with highly indented leaf blades, in a wide variety of colors and shades.

The flowers are bright, irregular in shape, monoecious and unisexual. The fruit is a capsule. Many begonias have rhizomes or tubers.

History of the plant's distribution. This magnificent flower came to Europe at the end of the 17th century. An expedition to the Antilles led by the Frenchman Michel Begon discovered beautiful flowers there that were brought to France. He was named after the organizer of the scientific expedition.

After this, new discoveries rained down as if from a cornucopia: a little later, ever-flowering begonia was discovered in the New World, it was discovered royal begonia, and tuberous begonia was found in the jungles of South America. Begonias can be roughly divided into plants with beautiful flowers and decorative foliage. Decorative deciduous begonia usually has large leaves very beautiful shape.

Features of cultivation

Begonia is one of the most common and accessible plants; they can easily be purchased at any specialized store or grown yourself.

These flowers are very unpretentious pets (which is why gardeners love them), caring for them is very simple. In addition, these plants are quite resistant to diseases. However, there are certain nuances of growing begonias and caring for them.

Planting methods

Soil condition- This is a very important factor in the successful development of this plant. Begonias do not tolerate soil that is too wet. This factor must be taken into account when planting a flower.

Begonia loves abundant watering, especially in the hot season, but it really doesn’t like it if the water remains in the pot for a long time.

When planting, you should not choose a pot that is too large; it should be slightly larger than before.

Take care of suitable drainage and select the right soil. The pot must have a drainage hole. Suitable soil for begonias is similar to soil for another indoor flower - azaleas. Select equal proportions of good garden soil, peat, organic fertilizer and sand. If you purchase soil in a store, then It is better to choose a peat-based substrate.

Before planting, thoroughly wet the soil and let it dry a little for several hours.

Optimal time for planting

It is better to plant a flower in autumn or mid-spring. It usually takes about five weeks for the plant to adapt.

Care

First of all, you should pay attention to the importance of its placement indoors. Lighting and temperature depend on this; they are very important for the normal well-being of the flower.

Lighting

Begonia loves bright light, but does not tolerate direct sunlight. Indoor begonia grows well on the east and west sides; in winter it can be moved to the south side.

To do this, use mineral fertilizers, but before that it is best to add a weak solution of potassium nitrate. Blooming begonias Needs slightly brighter lighting.

At room temperature, begonia feels great. If the temperature drops below 16°C or exceeds 28°C, the leaves and flowers wither and fall off.

Begonias come from regions with high air humidity. To the owners of this beautiful flower It's important to remember this fact. The problem is that in winter the air in our apartments is usually dried out by radiators central heating. Therefore, do not place the flower next to a central heating radiator - begonias will definitely not like dry and hot air. In addition, you should humidify the air using a humidifier or a simple sprayer.

Temperature

The optimal temperature for begonia is: in winter - 18-23 °C, and in summer - 20-25 °C. home flower Begonia does not tolerate temperature drops down to 15 °C very well.

Watering

Begonia should be watered when the soil has dried a couple of centimeters deep. For watering, use soft and well-settled water. In the warm season, water the plant abundantly, but it is advisable to drain the water from the pan.

Advice! In winter, the plant goes dormant, so minimal watering is required. In the spring, you should gradually return to the normal watering pattern.

In hot weather, begonia can be watered daily.

Winter care. How does the plant overwinter?

Winter care home begonia is quite simple: the plant goes dormant and should not be disturbed often. Watering should be reduced to a minimum.

If your begonia grows in the ground, you need to wait until the above-ground part of the plant dies off, and then carefully remove the tuber. Clean it and dry it. Then the tubers are placed in wooden boxes, covered with sand and left for the winter at a temperature of at least 10 °C and high humidity(60%). Usually this is a basement or cellar. The tubers should not be watered; they should be periodically inspected for fungal diseases. If a disease is detected, its source must be removed.

At the beginning of spring, you should gradually prepare the tubers for planting - gradually increase the temperature and increase the amount of watering. This the right time for plant propagation by dividing the tuber.

Feeding and fertilizing the flower

You can prepare the soil for the plant yourself. You need to pour a little river sand into the pot, add humus from top to half and add a mixture of black soil and peat (1:1).

Begonias need mineral fertilizing , this is especially true for plants living in old soil. To do this, once a week you need to add a solution of mineral fertilizer to the pot. In winter, begonias are not fertilized, with the exception of ever-flowering species. These representatives of the family need feeding. It is better to exclude nitrogenous fertilizers, which negatively affect the development of flowers, and replace them with phosphorus ones.

Trimming

In order for begonia to maintain its attractive appearance, the plant must be pruned. If this is not done, the flower becomes elongated, the leaves become smaller, and flowering stops.

However, this procedure is not necessary for all types of plants. For example, domestic tuberous begonias do not need pruning. Bushy begonias are pruned quite seriously, as they grow extremely quickly; the tops of ampelous varieties are plucked out, and thick-stemmed plants are pruned only if the flower is very old.

When the flower reaches a height of seven centimeters, it is necessary to cut off its top. This way you can achieve the formation of a more lush bush. After the side shoots reach a length of 10-12 centimeters, it is also advisable to cut off their tops. After these manipulations you will get a beautiful and lush bush begonias.

If the plant is already old and it is not possible to form a bush, you should pinch off the apical bud and remove lower leaves. This way you activate dormant kidneys.

Another purpose of pruning is to remove damaged leaves; they greatly spoil the appearance of the flower and can become a “gateway” for infections.

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out approximately in mid-spring, even before active growth begins. You can determine that your flower needs replanting by appearance its roots. If they have completely filled the pot, then it’s time to give your green pet a housewarming party. It is not worth replanting begonia often: its root system is quite fragile and can be easily damaged when replanting. In addition, begonia will not bloom immediately after transplanting into a new pot: the plant needs time to adapt.

The flower should be replanted into a container slightly larger than the one in which it grew. Place drainage in the pot, then prepare the soil (see above), and carefully move the plant.

Plant propagation methods

Begonia reproduces by sexual and vegetative methods of reproduction. Vegetative method:

• propagation by cuttings;
• propagation by tubers.

Propagation by cuttings

Propagation by cuttings is the most convenient method; it is great for indoor flowers. The leaf cuttings should be deepened into moist soil or pressed against it. You can simply place it in water. The cutting along with the soil should be covered to create high humidity. If you put it in water, make sure it is slightly above room temperature. After the roots appear, the plant can be replanted.

Propagation by tubers

Propagation by tubers is more suitable for garden begonias. In the spring, before planting, the tuber must be divided. Each part of the tuber must have growth buds. After planting, the tubers should be watered well.

Sexual reproduction

Begonia can also be propagated by seeds, but this is difficult. Seed propagation used by breeders to consolidate the characteristics of a variety.

Bloom. When does begonia bloom?

Begonia blooms very brightly, colorfully and very abundantly. Flowering usually begins in summer and continues until late autumn. There are plant species that can bloom in winter and even year-round. To extend the flowering period, you should remove it at the very beginning. female flowers. Sometimes flowers are removed to achieve more vigorous tubers.

To do this, use mineral fertilizers, but before that it is best to add a weak solution of potassium nitrate. After flowering ends, all pedicels should be removed so as not to deplete the plant.

The most popular types and varieties

exists in nature a large number of begonia species. A lot of them now live in our homes and delight us with their beautiful flowers. There are several particularly popular types of these flowers.

Here is their list:

• Begonia coral. The upper part of the platinum sheet is silver, with green veins. The bottom of the leaf is red. The plant lives for about five years.
• Begonia collarata. This popular plant came to us from Mexico. Collared begonia has large, highly indented leaves covered with reddish fluff. The stem also has the same coating. The flowers are pale pink and form a beautiful cluster. They usually bloom in winter.
• Very beautiful and very unpretentious plant is Bauer's begonia. This plant is distinguished by a very large and beautiful bush. This begonia is quite demanding on lighting.
• Begonia tiger. This flower will easily decorate any interior. The plant has heart-shaped, bright green leaves with dark spots on the veins.
• Begonia Cleopatra. It has round leaves dark green in color, needs high humidity.
• Begonia Lucerne. A typical representative of decorative deciduous begonias. The leaves of the plant are very large, bright green, elongated, with a glossy sheen. The upper part of the platinum sheet is densely covered with silvery dots.
• Begonia yellow. This flower belongs to tuberous begonias and pleases its owners with beautiful inflorescences of a wide variety of colors. There are double and non-double forms of yellow begonia inflorescences. There are a large number of varieties of this flower: begonia red, white, yellow with a pink border.

The following species are very attractive and very common: Mason begonia, ampelous begonia, deciduous begonia and the beautiful Black Queen begonia. It should also be added that a large number of beautiful hybrids of these flowers have been bred (for example, Elatior begonia). There are begonias that are more suitable for open ground(for example, garden begonia).

Diseases

The most common diseases of these flowers are fungal diseases.

Powdery mildew occurs due to excessive soil moisture, with frequent contact with moisture on the stem and leaves of the plant. It’s easy to notice: first, it forms on the leaves. white coating, which very soon affects the entire plant.

To cure a flower, it should be sprayed with a special solution: 20 grams of tar soap and 2 grams copper sulfate dissolve in warm water. In addition, you should stop flooding begonias, they don’t like it.

Gray rot. This disease is also easy to detect: a grayish coating appears on the upper part of the leaf blade. This fungus can also be treated well with a solution of soap and vitriol.

Pests

• spider mite;
• scale insect.

Aphid leads to deformation of shoots and curling of leaves. On leaf plate Sticky insect secretions appear. To get rid of them, you should treat the plant with laundry soap.

When infected spider mite on the bottom of the leaf you can see thin threads that look like a cobweb. Treat the flower with soapy water and wash it in the shower after a while.

Shchitovka leads to the appearance of pale spots on the leaves, which can be easily scraped off with a fingernail.

In summer, it is better to water plants in the morning, before the temperature peaks. This way you can protect the begonia leaves from burns.

Don't place the flower near heating devices or central heating radiators. Begonia does not like dry and hot air.

Humidify the air regularly during the heating season.

Do not splash water on the flowers of a flowering plant.

Video on the topic

Decorative deciduous begonia

Most frequently asked questions

Why doesn't the plant bloom?

The main reason for the lack of flowers is that the pot into which the plant is transplanted is too large. Also, the flower may not have enough light.

Why do the leaves dry out and turn yellow?

Drying of leaves is most often caused by too dry air or lack of light. Brown leaf edges may be the result of sunburn.

Is begonia poisonous?

Begonias contain oxalic acid salts, which can cause burns to the mouth and digestive organs. There are especially many of these substances in tubers.

We can say that begonia really poses a danger to children and cats.